Europaea Pollen Research Articles

Biophysical and biological impact on the structure and IgE-binding of the interaction of the olive pollen allergen Ole e 7 with lipids

Ole e 7 allergen from Olea europaea pollen possesses a major clinical relevance because it produces severe symptoms, such as anaphylaxis, in allergic patients exposed to high olive pollen counts. Ole e 7 is a non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) characterized by the presence of a tunnel-like hydrophobic cavity, which may be suitable for hosting and, thus, transporting lipids -as it has been described for other nsLTPs-. The identification of the primary amino acid sequence of Ole e 7, and its production as a recombinant allergen, allowed characterizing its lipid-binding properties and its effect at air-liquid interfaces. Fluorescence and interferometry experiments were performed using different phospholipid molecular species and free fatty acids to analyse the lipid-binding ability and specificity of the allergen. Molecular modelling of the allergen was used to determine the potential regions involved in lipid interaction. Changes in Ole e 7 structure after lipid interaction were analysed by circular dichroism. Changes in the IgE binding upon ligand interaction were determined by ELISA. Wilhelmy balance measurements and fluorescence surfactant adsorption tests were performed to analyse the surface activity of the allergen. Using these different approaches, we have demonstrated the ability of Ole e 7 to interact and bind to a wide range of lipids, especially negatively charged phospholipids and oleic acid. We have also identified the protein structural regions and the residues potentially involved in that interaction, suggesting how lipid-protein interactions could define the behaviour of the allergen once inhaled at the airways.

Use of Galactose Oxidase in Hydrazide-Capturing Technique to Isolate N-linked Glycoallergens from Olive Tree Pollen

In this work, a simple method hydrazide-capturing technique followed by MALDI MS and MS/MS analysis for characterization of major pollen allergens of Olea europaea pollen was exploited. The strategy developed has different stages: devising of sample preparation protocol to sequester glycoproteins from a crude extract, and allowing the identification of antigenic peptides, glycosylation sites and modified glycans by MALDI MS and MS/MS.

Size-Resolved Single-Particle Fluorescence Spectrometer for Real-Time Analysis of Bioaerosols: Laboratory Evaluation and Atmospheric Measurements.

Characteristic particle size, fluorescence intensity, and fluorescence spectra are important features to detect and categorize bioaerosols. A prototype size-resolved single-particle fluorescence spectrometer (S2FS) was developed to simultaneously measure aerodynamic diameters and fluorescence spectra. Emission spectra are dispersed in 512 channels from 370 to 610 nm, where a major portion of biological fluorescence emission occurs. The S2FS consists of an aerodynamic particle sizer and a fluorescence spectrometer with a 355 nm laser excitation source and an intensified charge-coupled device as the detector. Highly fluorescent particles, such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen and Olea europaea pollen, can be distinguished by the S2FS on a single-particle level. For weakly fluorescent particles, fluorescence spectra can only be obtained by averaging multiple particles (between 100 and 3000) of the same kind. Preliminary ambient measurements in Mainz (Germany, central Europe) show that an emission peak at ∼440 nm was frequently observed for fluorescent fine particles (0.5-1 μm). Fluorescent fine particles accounted for 2.8% on average based on the number fraction in the fine mode. Fluorescent coarse particles (>1 μm) accounted for 8.9% on average based on the number fraction, with strongest occurrence observed during a thunderstorm and in the morning.

Allergenic Pollen in Turkey

In this study, atmospheric pollen data of previous studies belonging to 54 different stations in Turkey, conducted by using the gravimetric and/ or volumetric method, were evaluated in terms of flora, biogeography and aeropalynology. In line with these data, Turkey is divided into 5 aeropalyno-geographical regions, which are represented with their characteristics (North, West, South, Central, and East), and the skin prick tests were evaluated on the basis of pollen allergy data regionally and concurrently. In general, the dominant pollen seen in Turkey’s atmosphere has been found to be represented by 29 different types. The pollen sum of these 29 taxa was found to represent more than 85% of the total pollen concentration detected in the atmosphere when evaluated according to different regions. Of these pollen types, 20 belong to woody and nine belong to herbaceous plants. It has generally been reported that there are higher pollen concentrations of woody plants in the atmosphere in Turkey. Overall, Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Pinus , and Gramineae pollens were found as the common types to all of Turkey’s five aeropalyno-geographic regions, in which they were recorded within the first three dominant pollen types. It has also been observed that Quercus, Platanus and Populus pollens from woody plants, and Amaranthaceae and Urticaceae pollens from the herbaceous plants were commonly recorded in high amounts for all regions. However, when the revised data are examined in detail, it has been determined that tree pollens like Fagus, Carpinus, Alnus, Corylus and Betula in the atmosphere were characteristic for the Northern Turkey region; the highest amounts of Olea europaea pollen for the Western Turkey region; higher quantities of the Cupressaceae/Taxaceae pollen for the Southern Turkey region; and very high amounts of Gramineae, Morus, Fraxinus and Artemisia pollens for the Eastern Turkey region have been recorded as characteristic in the atmosphere. Compared to Europe; Morus, Salix, Populus, Mercurialis and Plantago pollens in the atmosphere of Turkey differ in their presence and quantity. On the other hand, invasive plants such as Ambrosia and Ailanthus or exotic plants such as Casuarina and Eucalyptus , which have allergenic pollens, must be remembered among the dominant taxa in the air in different regions on a seasonal basis. It has been shown that the ideal allergen panels have to be updated according to the area and especially by including the dominant taxa. However, these updates should be made by taking into account cross-reactions, and at least one of the reacting taxa should be included in the panel.

Aeropalynological spectrum of Hatay, Turkey, the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea

An aeropalynological study during the years 2014–2015 was performed in Hatay, which is a unique sociocultural and phytogeographical area located on the border of Turkey and Syria on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. The sampling was performed by a Hirst-type volumetric sampler (Lanzoni VPPS 2000), and pollen grains of 54 taxa were identified, of which 83.21% of the annual sum belonged to woody taxa. The highest pollen concentration was recorded in February, of which a large amount came from the Cupressaceae/Taxaceae families. The diversity of the pollen reflected the vegetation of the area and plantations of the city center, but pollen grains from Euro-Siberian elements specific to Mount Amanos could not be recorded. Pollen types found at more than 3% of the annual pollen index and considered dominant pollen types were as follows: Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (50.86%), Olea europaea (12.67%), Moraceae (7.20%), Poaceae (5.99%), Quercus (5.35%), Urticaceae (3.79%) and Pinus (3.70%); almost all dominant pollen types in the city atmosphere were previously stated to be allergic. The main pollen season starting dates of common pollen types found were one or two weeks earlier than those of the surroundings. Many statistically significant correlations were found between daily pollen concentrations and daily meteorological parameters, e.g., Cupressaceae/Taxaceae Poaceae and Urticaceae pollen correlated negatively with mean temperature in both years, and in the hindermost two families daily pollen amounts significantly correlated with wind speed in the second year. Daily Olea europaea pollen concentration showed a significant negative correlation with the amount of total daily rainfall in the second year.

Human Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Respond to Antigen-Presenting Cells Exposed to Lipids from Olea europaea Pollen

Background: Allergic sensitization might be influenced by the lipids present in allergens, which can be recognized by natural killer T (NKT) cells on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of olive pollen lipids in human APCs, including monocytes as well as monocyte-derived macrophages (Mϕ) and dendritic cells (DCs). Methods: Lipids were extracted from olive (Olea europaea) pollen grains. Invariant (i)NKT cells, monocytes, Mϕ, and DCs were obtained from buffy coats of healthy blood donors, and their cell phenotype was determined by flow cytometry. iNKT cytotoxicity was measured using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. Gene expression of CD1A and CD1D was performed by RT-PCR, and the production of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α cytokines by monocytes, Mϕ, and DCs was measured by ELISA. Results: Our results showed that monocytes and monocyte-derived Mϕ treated with olive pollen lipids strongly activate iNKT cells. We observed several phenotypic modifications in the APCs upon exposure to pollen-derived lipids. Both Mϕ and monocytes treated with olive pollen lipids showed an increase in CD1D gene expression, whereas upregulation of cell surface CD1d protein occurred only in Mϕ. Furthermore, DCs differentiated in the presence of human serum enhance their surface CD1d expression when exposed to olive pollen lipids. Finally, olive pollen lipids were able to stimulate the production of IL-6 but downregulated the production of lipopolysaccharide- induced IL-10 by Mϕ. Conclusions: Olive pollen lipids alter the phenotype of monocytes, Mϕ, and DCs, resulting in the activation of NKT cells, which have the potential to influence allergic immune responses.

Correlation between airborne Olea europaea pollen concentrations and levels of the major allergen Ole e 1 in Córdoba, Spain, 2012-2014.

Olea europaea L. pollen is the second-largest cause of pollinosis in the southern Iberian Peninsula. Airborne-pollen monitoring networks provide essential data on pollen dynamics over a given study area. Recent research, however, has shown that airborne pollen levels alone do not always provide a clear indicator of actual exposure to aeroallergens. This study sought to evaluate correlations between airborne concentrations of olive pollen and Ole e 1 allergen levels in Córdoba (southern Spain), in order to determine whether atmospheric pollen concentrations alone are sufficient to chart changes in hay fever symptoms. The influence of major weather-related variables on local airborne pollen and allergen levels was also examined. Monitoring was carried out from 2012 to 2014. Pollen sampling was performed using a Hirst-type sampler, following the protocol recommended by the Spanish Aerobiology Network. A multi-vial cyclone sampler was used to collect aeroallergens, and allergenic particles were quantified by ELISA assay. Significant positive correlations were found between daily airborne allergen levels and atmospheric pollen concentrations, although there were occasions when allergen was detected before and after the pollen season and in the absence of airborne pollen. The correlation between the two was irregular, and pollen potency displayed year-on-year variations and did not necessarily match pollen-season-intensity.

Component-resolved diagnosis of peach allergy and its relationship with prevalent allergenic pollens in China

Component-resolved diagnosis of peach allergy and its relationship with prevalent allergenic pollens in China

Olea europaea pollen lipids activate invariant natural killer T cells by upregulating CD1d expression on dendritic cells

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells recognize lipids presented by CD1d and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Recognition of plant pollen lipids by iNKT cells and their role in allergic responses are poorly defined. Our goal was to investigate whether iNKT cells can be activated by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) exposed to lipid antigens from Olea europaea. DCs generated invitro were exposed to O europaea pollen grains or lipids isolated from them. Expression of lipid-presenting molecules (CD1), as well as maturation markers (HLA-DR, HLA-I, CD86, and CD80 molecules), on DCs was analyzed. iNKT cell activation after coculture with DCs was evaluated based on expansion, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity tests. DCs upregulated CD1d and CD86 expression and downregulated CD1a expression after exposure to a whole extract of olive pollen lipids. CD1d and CD1a were regulated at the transcriptional level in a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activation-dependent manner. Polar lipids, diacylglycerols, free fatty acids, and triacylglycerols isolated from pollen grains upregulate CD1d. The increase in CD1d expression on the DC cell surface induced by polar lipids was not regulated at the RNA level. iNKT cells efficiently recognize DCs treated with the different lipids isolated from olive pollen grains. Lipids from O europaea pollen upregulate CD1d and CD86 molecules on DCs, which are then able to activate iNKT cells through a CD1d-dependent pathway.

Identification of allergenic pollen grains in 36 olive (Olea europaea) cultivars grown in Jordan

Inhalation of olive pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases in Mediterranean region. Using bags attached to the branches, pollens were collected from 36 olive cultivars grown in Jordan just before bloom. Proteins were extracted from pollens and analysed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting using antisera collected from patients with history of olive pollen-allergy. Immunoblot results showed that 25 cultivars contained one or two allergenic proteins in the range of 15–72 kDa with majority of the proteins corresponding to 15–20 kDa, while remainders did not exhibit any allergenic protein. Seven cultivars exhibited three allergenic proteins and only two cultivars exhibited four allergenic proteins and thus, were considered potentially hyperallergenic cultivars. This study highlights the great variability in the antigenic and allergenic composition of Olea europaea pollen extracts which may serve as guidance for selecting the olive tree cultivars that could be planted in urban areas.

Climate change impact on the olive pollen season in Mediterranean areas of Italy: air quality in late spring from an allergenic point of view

Recent studies have shown that there are many effects of climate change on aeroallergens, and thus on allergic diseases in humans. In the Mediterranean region, despite the importance of the olive tree for production, there is high allergenicity of olive pollen and related risks to human health. Aerobiological sampling techniques can be used to analyse the pollinosis phenomenon through determination of mean daily pollen concentrations per cubic metre of air. The present study was carried out from 1999 to 2008 in 16 olive-growing areas in Italy, to update the information on the pollinosis characteristics of Olea europaea in the study areas. The analysis of the average flowering season over the study period highlights a temporal scaling of pollen in the atmosphere that depends on the different climatic characteristics. This is mainly dependent on temperature, and in part, determined by latitude. Generally, the levels of O. europaea pollen in the atmosphere are higher from mid-April to the end of June, with the period of greatest risk to human health due to this olive pollen in this area currently limited primarily to the last 10 days of May. However, the pollen season can move, depending on the climate scenario considered, and data here can be used to determine potential time shifts in pollinosis that might cause more precocious asthma and allergy problems. The allergy season for this type of pollen might be significantly precocious in future decades (20-30 days earlier in the year), which will impact on the severity and duration of allergies attributable to olive tree pollen.

20 Cross-Reactivity Between Olive Pollen and 3 Species of Grasses in Madrid, Spain

BackgroundThe most common allergenic pollens in patients with pollinosis in Central Spain are grasses and olive pollen, with a prevalence of positive skin prick test results of 94 and 61%, respectively. Shared proteins have been described in olive and grasses, such as profilins, polcalcin and trypsin inhibitors, but there are few in vitro studies analyzing the potential cross reactivity between both species. The aim of the present study was to analyze the protein composition of both allergen extracts, and the allergenic cross-reactivity between O. europaea and different grass pollen species.MethodsSeventy-two (72) patients (mean age 10.4 years) were included in the study. All of them suffered rhinoconjuntivitis and/or asthma and were sensitized to olive and/or grass pollen. Specific IgE of the individual patients against O. europaea, and to the grass species: Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense and Trisetum paniceum were determined by ELISA. Inhibition assays were performed to verify allergenic crossreactivity between grass species and olive. Mass spectrometry analysis was performed to characterize the extracts and establish if there are common proteins in both, grass and olive pollens, that could act as cross reactive proteins.ResultsThree different sensitization patterns were observed: 1) sensitization to olive and grass pollen, 2) sensitization to olive and not to grasses and 3) sensitization to grasses and not to olive. Different pools of sera were mixed according to this classification and used for the different assays. Correlation coefficients found for the 3 grass species were significant (P < 0.0001; Spearman), but not for olive pollen (P = 0.14; Spearman). Proteomic analysis revealed the presence of more than 40 common proteins in grasses and olive pollens, but inhibition assays demonstrated no allergenic cross-reactivity between both families.ConclusionsThere is no in vitro crossreactivity between O. europaea and Grass pollen extracts, in spite of the allergens and the large number of common proteins shared by these pollens. We can conclude that sensitization to olive and grasses is species specific.

Thunderstorm‐related asthma epidemic owing to Olea Europaea pollen sensitization

AllergyVolume 66, Issue 11 p. 1510-1511 ALLERGY Net Thunderstorm-related asthma epidemic owing to Olea Europaea pollen sensitization L. Losappio, L. LosappioSearch for more papers by this authorE. Heffler, E. HefflerSearch for more papers by this authorF. Contento, F. ContentoSearch for more papers by this authorC. Cannito, C. CannitoSearch for more papers by this authorG. Rolla, Corresponding Author G. Rolla Allergologia ed Immunologia ClinicaAO Mauriziano “Umberto I”Largo Turati 6210128 TorinoItalyTel.: +390115082083Fax: +390115682588E-mail: grolla@mauriziano.itSearch for more papers by this author L. Losappio, L. LosappioSearch for more papers by this authorE. Heffler, E. HefflerSearch for more papers by this authorF. Contento, F. ContentoSearch for more papers by this authorC. Cannito, C. CannitoSearch for more papers by this authorG. Rolla, Corresponding Author G. Rolla Allergologia ed Immunologia ClinicaAO Mauriziano “Umberto I”Largo Turati 6210128 TorinoItalyTel.: +390115082083Fax: +390115682588E-mail: grolla@mauriziano.itSearch for more papers by this author First published: 02 September 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02699.xCitations: 24 This is the first report of thunderstorm-related asthma owing to olive tree pollen sensitization. Allergic patients should be informed of the risk of severe asthma attack during thunderstorms. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume66, Issue11November 2011Pages 1510-1511 RelatedInformation

Olea europaea pollen counts and aeroallergen levels predict clinical symptoms in patients allergic to olive pollen

Allergic symptoms are commonly related to atmospheric pollen counts in sensitized allergic individuals. However, concordance between symptoms, pollen counts, and aeroallergen concentrations is not always good. To determine the correlation between olive pollen counts, aeroallergen levels, and clinical symptoms in patients with allergic asthma or rhinitis in Ciudad Real (Spain). Two types of samplers were used to determine pollen exposure: a Burkard spore trap to collect pollen grains and a high-volume air sampler to collect airborne particles. A total of 366 air filters were collected. After extraction, they were analyzed by specific immunoglobulin E enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition using a serum pool containing high titers of olive-specific immunoglobulin E. Twenty olive-pollen monosensitized patients were asked to record their daily symptoms before, during, and after the olive pollen season. Olive pollen was detected between April 21 and June 30, 2004. Symptoms showed positive and significant correlations with pollen counts (r = 0.700, P < .001) and aeroallergen levels (r = 0.803, P < .001). Using a Poisson regression model, relative changes in aeroallergen concentrations and pollen counts were found to be similar and significant. Threshold levels for the induction of symptoms were 162 olive pollen grains/m(3) and 22.7 ng of olive pollen allergen/m(3) (equivalent to 0.9 ng/m(3) of Ole e 1). Olive aeroallergen concentrations and pollen counts are positively associated with symptoms of rhinitis and asthma in olive-allergic patients. Both data may be used in the clinical follow-up of these patients.

Comparison of the allergenicity and Ole e 1 content of 6 varieties of Olea europaea pollen collected during 5 consecutive years

Numerous varieties of Olea europaea have been described in Mediterranean countries. To investigate the immunochemical characteristics of 6 varieties of Olea europaea collected during 5 consecutive years. The varieties Carrasquefio, Manzanillo, Acebuche (wild olive), Hojiblanco, Picual, and Nevado were analyzed. Pollen samples from each variety were collected for 5 consecutive years from the same cultivars by trained personnel. The antigenic and allergenic profiles of these extracts were evaluated by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot using the serum of 29 O. europaea-allergic individuals. Ole e 1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and purified Ole e 1 and rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Allergenic potency was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition and is expressed in histamine equivalent prick units per gram of raw material. Hojiblanco and Acebuche had the lowest mean +/- SD Ole e 1 content in the 5 years (0.045 +/- 0.029 and 0.059 +/-0.031 microg/microg of freeze-dried material, respectively). The variety with the highest mean +/- SD Ole e 1 content was Picual (0.19 +/-0.075 microg/microg). Hojiblanco had the lowest total biological potency throughout the study. A positive correlation was obtained between rainfall in the winter months and total allergenicity of the 6 varieties. The different varieties of O. europaea pollen demonstrated great differences in allergenic potency and Ole e 1 content. These differences were maintained throughout the study, suggesting that they are due to genetic differences intrinsic to the varieties, although certain climatic effects may also play a role.

Detection of airborne allergen (Ole e 1) in relation to Olea europaea pollen in S Spain

In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the air carries not only airborne pollen but also plant particles of smaller size that have allergenic activity, and, being within the respirable range, these particles can trigger rapid attacks in the lower respiratory tract. The study of particles according to size (0.7-40 micro m) could provide valuable information on the real allergenic activity in the atmosphere. The purpose of this study was to analyse the dynamics of airborne Olea europaea pollen in contrast to the allergenic activity of Ole e 1 in the atmosphere. The analyses were carried out with a Hirst-type volumetric collector and a cascade impactor simultaneously during the MPS of the olive. The indirect ELISA was used to detect the allergenic activity. The sampling was performed in Granada city centre (S Spain), in the Science Faculty building on the University of Granada from 30 April to 26 June 2005. This research demonstrates that both the allergenic activity as well as the pollen particles follow in a similar curve, except in periods before or succeeding the main Olea pollen season. The study of the distribution of the allergenic particles according to their sizes reveals that the highest concentrations are between 3.3 and <0.7 micro m, thus indicating that allergenic activity primarily involves paucimicronic particles.

Profiling of Hydrophilic Proteins from Olea europaea Olive Pollen by MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometry

The antigenic profile of Olea europaea pollen from different Mediterranean cultivars was obtained by MALDI mass spectrometry. A simple procedure of chemical fractionation of the whole antigen extract was developed, whereby less complex, or pure, fractions of antigen candidate were obtained prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Some of the features of protein structure and distribution probably depend on cultivar adaptation to the environment. The profilings of pollen proteins thus obtained allow the distinction of the analyzed cultivars into three distinct groups: (i) those characterized by a low Ole e 1 content; (ii) those over-enriched in Ole e 1 and (iii) that containing Ole e 3 and Ole e 7 only. The latter consists of at least four isoforms differing by the degree of glycosilation. These results demonstrate that the proposed experimental procedure, can supply valuable information on the antigens' micro heterogeneity.

Cloning and Expression of the Olea europaea Allergen Ole e 5, the Pollen Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase

Background: Recombinant DNA technology does provide pure, well-defined and reproducible products to be used for clinical purposes, by cloning and expressing the cDNA of allergens present in a specific extract. Ole e 5 is a pollen allergen of Olea europaea with an IgE-binding frequency of about 35%, which has been identified as a superoxide dismutase (SOD). The aim of this study was to clone the cDNA of Ole e 5, to express Ole e 5 in Escherichia coli and to characterize its immunoreactivity. Methods: cDNA of Ole e 5 was amplified by nested 3′-RACE PCR and cloned in pGEX vector 6P expression vector. After sequencing of some clones and homology analysis, the rOle e 5 was produced in an E. coli strain as a fusion protein with GST and purified. Then, the protein immunoreactivity was evaluated by patients’ IgE binding (ELISA, ELISA inhibition, and immunoblotting) and by rabbit anti-rOle e 5 binding (immunoblotting and immunoblotting inhibition). Results: The sequence analysis of Ole e 5 cDNA confirmed that Ole e 5 is a Cu/Zn SOD, with an identity from 90 to 80% with SOD from other species. rOle e 5 was recognized by IgE from 39% of olive pollen-allergic patients tested; moreover, this binding was inhibited by the olive pollen extract. An anti-rOle e 5 antiserum raised in rabbit strongly reacted with a natural component of about 16-kDa molecular weight present in the olive pollen extract; moreover, this binding was inhibited by the recombinant protein. Conclusions: Ole e 5 is the first Cu/Zn SOD identified as an allergen in a pollen source. Due to the widespread presence of this enzyme, rOle e 5 allergen, cloned and expressed in a complete form in E. coli, could represent a good tool to investigate the allergen cross-reactivity between O. europaea pollen and other allergenic sources, such as plant foods and other pollens.

Immunotherapy with depigmented glutaraldehyde‐polymerized extracts: changes in quality of life

Immunotherapy (IT) with modified allergens reduces allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms and medications requirements. Improvement of quality of life (QOL) is a key point in the treatment of AR. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of changes related to the patient's QOL (well-being) induced by a modified (depigmented glutaraldehyde-polymerized) therapeutic vaccine and of its safety. Fifty-three patients with a well-documented clinical history of seasonal AR sensitized to Dactylis glomerata and Olea europaea pollens were included in a randomized clinical trial. Twenty-five patients (Group-A) received a mixture of D. glomerata and O. europaea pollen extracts and 28 patients received placebo (group-C). Any adverse event was recorded and graded in accordance with EAACI guidelines. RQLQ was recorded before the treatment (pollen season 2000) and after 1 year of treatment (pollen season 2001). Dose-response skin prick test with each allergen extract was conducted at baseline and at the end of the study. Each patient received 17 injections during this period. All patients completed the trial and no systemic adverse reactions were recorded. Symptom scores (P<0.001) and medication requirements (P<0.001) were significantly reduced in the IT group during the pollen season. This patient group also experienced greater and statistically significant improvement in overall RQLQ score and in five of the seven domains, all of them surpassing the threshold of 'minimal important difference' of 0.5 points. Results of this study provided evidence that IT with depigmented, glutaraldehyde-modified allergen extracts was well-tolerated and added beneficial effects to AR treatment in pollen allergic patients eliciting an improvement in QOL enough to justify a change in the patient's treatment.

Ole e 2 and Ole e 10: new clinical aspects and genetic restrictions in olive pollen allergy

The clinical characteristics in olive pollen allergy are dependent on the antigenic load, the allergens profile, and the genetic restrictions. Our objective was to determine specific response pattern in Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 sensitization at those levels. We studied 146 patients with seasonal rhinitis and/or asthma and positive prick test to Olea europaea pollen. IgE against Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 were detected by skin prick test and ELISA. HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 loci were typed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers method. A total of 102 (69.9%) and 79 (54.0%) patients showed significant IgE antibody response against Ole e 2 and Ole e 10, respectively. There was a significant association between Ole e 2 (OR 2.2, P = 0.04) and Ole e 10 reactivities (OR 2.8, P = 0.007) with asthma. In addition, total and specific IgE antibody levels significantly correlated with asthma (P < 0.05). Patients who reacted to both allergens reached the highest asthma risk factor (OR 4.3, P = 0.002). Phenotypic frequency of DR7 (OR 5.4, Pc = 0.003) and DQ2 (OR 3.6, Pc = 0.02) were increased in positive Ole e 2 patients compared with control subjects. DR2(15) phenotypic frequency was significantly increased (OR 5.6, Pc = 0.02) in positive Ole e 10 patients compared with control subjects. Our data suggest an association of Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 with bronchial asthma. Also, we found a genetic control of Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 IgE-specific responses that could be relevant to clinical disease in olive pollen allergy.